The Beginning After The End novel Chapter 43

It was obvious Gideon’s abrupt intrusion caught Lilia by surprise, but she replied evenly with a polite smile.

"Of course. I’ll see you later then, Art!" She waved at me, bowing towards Gideon before running off to the heart of the party.

"You know that young female cohort of yours likes you, right?" Gideon scratched his cheek awkwardly as his gaze followed Lilia’s figure.

"I know," I responded simply.

"You two seem to get along, though. You’re not going to do anything about it?" he pressed.

"She’s someone that has had her life changed by me. More so than the feeling of like or love, it’s something more akin to gratefulness that she feels. She doesn’t know that now, but later in the future, I’m sure she’ll distinguish the two on her own," I answered with a shrug, taking another sip of my cider.

"You know, even when you say something disgustingly conceited like that, it doesn’t sound vain coming from you." Gideon smirked, taking a small sip of his wine.

"Because I don’t mean it in a conceited way. To her, I am something like a hero who saved her life. She may have fantasies about a relationship between us like any young girl about her idol, but that doesn’t mean she is in love with that person; it’s more of an infatuation," I explained. "Anyway, I’m sure you’re not here to give me love counseling. What is it that you wanted to discuss?"

"Why does it feel like I’m talking to someone my age? But yes, you’re right. How did your sister like the present you so kindly took from me?" He changed the subject, sitting down on the floor while leaning against the wall.

"Received as compensation, not ’took,’" I corrected, wagging my finger. "And I haven’t given it to her yet. I will, later."

"Right. Well, after refining the blueprint and creating a plan, I sent it in to the Council of Dicathen. They approved it and it is undergoing a construction plan right away," he announced, his usual joking manner nonexistent.

After the founding of the Six Lances, the Three Kings and Queens of Dicathen had come together and announced to the public that the current monarchy of each of the three kingdoms would be changing into one Council for all of Dicathen. This decision wasn’t really up for debate but it did bring some groups to rebel against it. For now, the location of the Council of Dicathen was unknown with the only source of communication available through some trusted individuals while major broadcasts were publicized through each City’s Governor.

"Congratulations. I’m sure they rewarded you well for that," I said sincerely, holding up my glass.

"Bah, money is just a means to an end for me. Gold is but a useless commodity that only has use in buying stuff actually useful to me. But you—you’re an asset that I do not want to let go. What is it you want, brat? Money? Power? Knowledge? I can give you all of that if you are more open to me about what you know as well." He got up, his beady eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"I don’t intend to change how the world works for my own benefit. This Continent is doing just fine without any of it," I retorted, making my intentions clear.

"So you’re saying you have ideas for inventions capable of changing how this world works? Fascinating..." His ears must’ve only heard what he wanted to hear because I wasn’t getting through to him.

Imbuing mana into my voice, I growled in a low tone so only he could hear. "Mr. Gideon, let me make it clear that I’m not here to indulge your selfish curiosities."

The tone in my voice appeared to have shook him up a bit, as he nearly jumped.

"Well you sure sobered me up real quick. Yeah, I guess you’re right. How about a give and take then? I’m not asking for world-changing inventions like that steam engine you gave me. I just want to get to know how you think, really. I’ll be your personal benefactor for whatever you need. Really, I’m desperate, brat. Don’t make this old man plead anymore." Surprisingly, His voice sounded sincere this time.

This was what I planned for but I didn’t want to give in to his wishes too easily, so I persisted. "Can I take your word for it?"

"Of course! What do you take me for? I’m a man of my word. You’re quite a family man so I understand why you were so interested in that Phoenix Wyrm necklace. I may not be a great mage but I know my way around artificing and magic implementation theory. Hell, you need some allowance for school, right? So how about it? Yeah?" His beady eyes and electrocuted hair made him look even more pitiful.

Sticking my hand out, I shot him a business smile that I’m sure made him think twice for what he had just gotten himself into.

The party eventually came to an end after the bell rang for midnight, making it officially my sister’s birthday. After more dancing, eating, drinking, and present-giving, the guests slowly started leaving, allowing the maids to finally start cleaning the ballroom. _{ƒreewebɳovel.com}

My parents gave my sister a pair of beautiful hair ties with ornamental bells that were silver on first glance but reflected a glimmering array of colors underneath the light. My sister excitedly asked my mother to tie her hair for her into twin ponytails.

Despite the success of the party, my sister had been pretty disappointed that the Twin Horns couldn’t make it to her birthday since they were currently in a dungeon. However, she got over it quickly after seeing the wrapped boxes in my hands.